Why Varda is growing cancer-drug crystals in orbit

Varda's W-7 capsule, its third launch this October, carries hardware to crystallise PROTACs, a newer class of cancer drug that destroys disease-driving proteins rather than just blocking them. The molecules are large and complex, often dissolve poorly and need high doses; on Earth, gravity-driven convection makes their crystals form unevenly. Varda is betting microgravity yields purer, more uniform crystals with more predictable bioavailability. Co-founder Delian Asparouhov shared an explainer of the science.